ARTS @ LHSS (Dance, Drama, Music & Visual Art)

DANCE

ATC1OI (Grade 9 Dance, Open)

Take a break from desks and chairs and explore your creativity and passion for movement in the grade 9 Dance course!  All levels of experience are welcome! Learn a variety of dance styles through movement exploration, professional guest instruction, and improvisational exercises in our state of the art facility. Improve your technique, strength, and flexibility and create innovative choreography.  Experience live performances and take workshops with top professionals in the industry.  Make friends that turn into family!

ATC2OI (Grade 10 Dance, Open)

In grade 10 Dance students will continue to explore the creative process and will continue to develop their technique and creativity both as dancers and choreographers. Dancers will explore complex issues through movement as they create routines based on relevant issues affecting the world today. Students will explore modern dance pioneers and their techniques in the Creative Movement unit. They will also have the opportunity to create routines using props as stimuli. Students will develop their leadership skills as they run workshops for local elementary schools. They will have the opportunity to explore a variety of dance styles and improve their skills and technique while working with leading choreographers at The Underground Dance Centre in Toronto.  Prerequisite:  NONE.

ATC3MI (Grade 11 Dance, University/College)

In grade 11 Dance students will continue to explore the creative process and will continue to develop their technique and creativity both as dancers and choreographers. Dancers will explore a variety of performance areas while creating routines in unconventional spaces in the Site-Specific Dance unit. They will get to research and learn signature movements from their favourite artists (Beyoncé, Usher, Travis Wall, etc…) in the Dance Legends assignment.

Students will develop their leadership skills as they run workshops for local elementary schools. They will have the opportunity to explore a variety of dance styles and improve their skills and technique while working with leading choreographers at The Underground Dance Centre in Toronto. Students will be exposed to professional live dance performances and will have the opportunity to workshop with leading artists in the industry.  Prerequisite:  ATC1OI or ATC2OI.

ATC4MI (Grade 12 Dance, University/College)

In grade 12 Dance students will continue to explore the creative process and will continue to develop their technique and creativity both as dancers and choreographers. Dancers will learn how to create innovative pieces while using a variety of lighting sources in the Incorporating Lighting into Dance unit. Students will have the opportunity to create and develop their own choreography for the class completing a piece that exemplifies their innovative skills as choreographers.

Students will develop their leadership skills as they run workshops for local elementary schools. They will have the opportunity to explore a variety of dance styles and improve their skills and technique while working with leading choreographers at The Underground Dance Centre in Toronto. Students will be exposed to professional live dance performances and will have the opportunity to workshop with leading artists in the industry. Students will showcase their work in a Final Dance Showcase for family and friends.  Prerequisite:  ATC3MI.

DRAMATIC ARTS

ADA1OI (Grade 9 Dramatic Arts, Open)

Connect with classmates in a fun, artistic and welcoming environment.  Gain the confidence to shine in front of audiences both large and small.  Explore dramatic techniques (tableau, creative movement, comedy, improvisation), learn about the history of the stage, train on state of the art lighting and sound theatre equipment.  Work with professional actors and enjoy the country’s best live theatre.  Develop acting and public speaking skills: trust, self-confidence, teamwork, creativity, expressiveness, self-reflection.

ADA2OI (Grade 10 Dramatic Arts, Open)

This course provides opportunities for students to explore dramatic forms, conventions, and techniques. Students will explore a variety of dramatic sources from various cultures and representing a range of genres. Students will use the elements of drama in creating and communicating through dramatic works. Students will assume responsibility for decisions made in the creative and collaborative processes and will reflect on their experiences.  Prerequisite:  NONE (ADA1OI recommended).

ADA3MI (Grade 11 Dramatic Arts, University/College)

This course requires students to create and perform in dramatic presentations. Students will analyse, interpret, and perform dramatic works from various cultures and time periods. Students will research various acting styles and conventions that could be used in their presentations, and analyse the functions of playwrights, directors, actors, designers, technicians, and audiences.  Prerequisite:  ADA1OI or ADA2OI.

ADA4MI (Grade 12 Dramatic Arts, University/College)

This course requires students to experiment individually and collaboratively with forms and conventions of both drama and theatre from various cultures and time periods. Students will interpret dramatic literature and other texts and media sources while learning about various theories of directing and acting. Students will examine the significance of dramatic arts in various cultures, and will analyse how the knowledge and skills developed in drama are related to their personal skills, social awareness, and goals beyond secondary school.  Prerequisite:  ADA3MI.

MUSIC

TO VISIT THE SJAM MUSIC WEBSITE, CLICK HERE!  INCLUDES INFO REGARDING SHSM, EXTRA-CURRICULAR MUSIC GROUPS AND MORE!

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

AMI1OI (Grade 9 Instrumental Music EXPERIENCED, Open)

Ideal for students who are experienced players on woodwind, brass or percussion instruments that you will play in class.  Develop your instrumental performance skills; you will play your instrument every day.  Learn to read and write standard music notation and complete listening and composition activities.  Play as a class and in small groups, you will be encouraged to perform in the Junior Band.  Preparation: grade 8 instrumental music or private lessons on the class instrument.

AMI1OX (Grade 9 Instrumental Music BEGINNER, Open)

Ideal for students with no experience on a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument.  Starting as a beginner, you will learn to play an instrument.  Develop your instrumental performance skills; you will play your instrument every day.  Learn to read and write standard music notation while completing listening and composition activities.  Play as a class and in small groups, you will be encouraged to perform in the Grade 9 Band. Students require NO previous instrumental music experience.

AMI2OI (Grade 10 Instrumental Music, Open)

The grade 10 course builds on the skills that you developed in grade 9, as you play more complex rhythms and in more metres and keys. You will continue to spend most of the class time playing your instrument, with written and listening activities supporting your performance work. Performing as a full class remains the focus of the course, but you will have added opportunities for small ensemble work. You will be encouraged to join an extra-curricular group such as the Junior Band or Senior Band.  Prerequisite:  AMI1OI or AMI1OX.

AMI3MI (Grade 11 Instrumental Music, University/College)

In grade 11 you will continue to build on the skills from your previous music courses as you refine your performance and musicianship skills.  Your knowledge of musical harmony and texture will be extended, and you will study, listen to and perform the music of the Baroque era.  Playing as a class will be balanced with extended opportunities for small group and solo playing, and you will be encouraged to gain added performance experience in extra-curricular Senior Band.  Prerequisite:  AMI 1OX or AMI 1OX; NOTE – AMI 2OI is strongly recommended.

AMH4MI (Grade 12 Instrumental Music – Jazz, University/College)

This course is for players on any band instrument who wish learn to play, compose, arrange and improvise in a variety of jazz styles.  Performing on your instrument in class, small group and solo situations will be balanced with the study of jazz history and harmonic analysis.  It is strongly recommended that students in this course perform in the Senior Band and/or Sr. Jazz Band for added performance experience.  Prerequisite:  AMI3MI.  Please note – due to scheduling, you can only select AMH4MI or AMI4MI (not both in the same year).

AMI4MI (Grade 12 Instrumental Music – Classical Band, University/College)

Your performance, analysis and theoretical skills are integrated in a more sophisticated way in this course.  You will perform more complex works, compose and arrange in a variety of styles, and learn about several types of Classical and Modern music.  Small ensemble and solo performance work have increased importance in this course, but you will still perform as a full class.  The added performance experience from being a member of the Senior Band is strongly recommended for students in this course.  Prerequisite:  AMI3MI.

GUITAR

AMG3OI (Grade 11 Instrumental Music – Guitar, Open)

This is an introductory course in which students learn popular songs, chord accompaniment, single-note melodies, music reading, as well as rhythm and lead guitar skills.  Musical pieces are performed in solo, duet, and ensemble settings.  Students also begin to improvise lead guitar solos and study the structure of blues music, while also learning about the history of the blues and making real world connections to current popular music.  Scale and chord theory is also introduced, with students studying The Modes, completing a modal composition and notating it using current music computer software.  Prerequisite:  NONE.

VOCAL/CHORAL MUSIC

AMV1OI (Grade 9 Vocal/Choral Music, Open)

“Music… makes the people come together”.

This course is for you if you like to sing, whether you have experience or not.  Develop your vocal performance skills; you will sing every day.  Learn to read and write standard music notation while completing listening and composition activities.  Sing as a class and in small groups, you will be encouraged to perform in the Highlander Chorus.

AMV2OI (Grade 10 Vocal/Choral Music, Open)

“I think I’ve become a much better singer and a much better player. Years and years of playing a couple of hours every day will do that.”  Sarah McLachlan

Practice makes perfect! Continue building your vocal skills in AMV 2OI and gain confidence as a solo singer. Sharpen your skills in rehearsing and performing music in small groups and solo. Explore the timeline of music history, refine your song writing skills and use of music software. And don’t forget having fun with your classmates as you create together! Look back on the great time you had in vocal music when you listen to your CD compilation at the end of the course!  Prerequisite:  NONE.

AMV3MI (Grade 11 Vocal/Choral Music, University/College)

 “Music can change the world because it can change people”.  Bono
Learn about how music reflects culture and changes it…. in the past and today.  Learn how to use your vocal skills in a leadership role: leading warm ups and rehearsing a piece of music with a small group.  Continue to refine your vocal skills through technique exercises, small ensemble pieces, and solos from music theatre, art song and even opera!  Grow as a songwriter, and create harmonies for that great tune you have in your head!  Track all of this change through recordings of your performances, compiled in a CD at the end of the course.  Prerequisite course:  AMV IOI or AMV 2OI.

AMV4MI (Grade 12 Vocal/Choral Music, University/College)

“You can’t fake this music. You might be a great singer or a great musician but, in the need, that’s got nothing to do with it. It’s how you connect to the songs and to the history behind them.”  Etta James

Discover the stories behind the music of the 20th Century, including jazz and musical theatre and use that knowledge to bring those songs to life. Develop your skills as a music critic. What makes a great performance? Senior music students will expand their music leadership by planning and leading rehearsals for small ensembles. Experiment with 20th century composition techniques to create original, unusual songs!  Prerequisite: AMV3MI.

VISUAL ART

AVI1OI (Grade 9 Visual Arts, Open)

This course offers an overview of visual arts as a foundation for further study.  Become familiar with the elements and principles of design and the expressive qualities of various materials through working with a range of processes, techniques and styles.  Develop a variety of artistic skills, including sketching, painting, sculpture and multi-media.  Learn and use methods of analysis and criticism while studying the characteristics of particular historical art periods and a selection of Canadian art and art of other cultures.  All materials are supplied.

Topics of Study: Shading, Colour Unit, Paper Tonal Mask, Prehistoric Art History, Linear Perspective, Egyptian Art, Clay Slab Roller Sculpture, Lino block print, Greek Art History, Interpretive Strip

Assessment and Evaluation:  Term work, Tests and Summative (No Exam!)

AVI2OI (Grade 10 Visual Arts, Open)

Visual art is really all about exploring creativity. Students create projects using painting, drawing, print-making, clay and mixed media including digital media. We look at what artists have done in the past and experiment with our own ideas. This year’s focus is on portraiture, Canadian art, various other Western cultures and design. If you like drawing or making things, this course is for you. There is no exam. All materials are supplied.  Prerequisite: NONE.

Topics of Study: Portraits now and then, Surreal Landscape, Medieval Art, Clay Mask, Lino-cut Printmaking, Illuminated Manuscript, Summative Assignment

Assessment and Evaluation: Term work, minor quizzes, one group presentation and summative (No Exam!)

AVI3MI (Grade 11 Visual Arts, University/College)

This course enables students to further develop their knowledge and skills in visual arts. Students will use the creative process to explore a wide range of themes through studio work that include various different materials. As students build on their experiences from AVI 1OI and /or AVI 2OI, they work to develop their own personal artistic style. The critical analysis process is used when evaluating their own work and the work of others (both peer and historically significant works of art). Basic materials provided.  Prerequisite: AVI1OI or AVI2OI or AVI2OX.

Topics of Study: Drawing and shading from observation, Pop Art Portraits, Artist’s Logo, Renaissance Art History, Freedom Painting on Canvas, Comparative Essay, Clay Potter’s Wheel Activities, Silkscreen T-shirt Print, Summative acrylic Painting

Assessment and Evaluation: Term work, Tests, Essay, Summative and In-Class Exam

AWM3OI (Grade 11 Drawing and Painting – Visual Arts, Open)

This course focuses on developing drawing and painting skills. This is a very active class that is ideal for students that wish to develop their portfolio or that would like to learn more about different techniques of drawing and painting. Famous works of art are discussed from a stylistic point of view as opposed to a chronological approach. Basic materials provided.  Prerequisite: NONE.

Topics of Study:  Realistic and Expressive Drawing, Watercolour Painting, Figure Drawing, Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Scratchboards, Celebrity Mug Shot, Summative 4 Panel Design Painting on Canvas

Assessment and Evaluation:  Term work, Summative (No Exam!)

AWQ3OI (Grade 11 Photography – Visual Arts, Open)

This specialized course introduces students to the world of digital photography. Students may use camera’s provided by the school or may use their own cameras to explore many different techniques to taking artistic photos. Students learn to set correct aperture and shutter speeds in the manual mode of the camera. They also get introduced to Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements which are popular programs used for graphic art and photo editing. Students will have the opportunity to interpret a famous photographer’s work (of their choice). Prerequisite: NONE.

Topics of Study: Movement Photography and Setting the Correct Exposure, Depth of Field, Photo Retouching, Mutant Teacher Photo Manipulation, Digital Graffiti, Different Types of Lighting, Colour vs. Black and White, Portrait Photography, Architecture, Digital Surrealism, Motif Madness (Summative)

Assessment and Evaluation:  Term work, Summative and In Class Exam

AWS3OI (Grade 11 Yearbook-Visual Arts and Media, Open)

This course focuses on the development and production of the school yearbook.  Students will develop and refine their skills with computer applications, graphic design/desktop publishing, journalistic practices, photography and interpersonal capabilities. Students who possess good work habits, leadership skills, and are self-motivated are encouraged to participate in this course.  Some extra-curricular time commitment is expected.  Prerequisite: NONE.

AVI4MI (Grade 12 Visual Arts, University/College)

This course is the gr. 12 university/college level art course. It is designed to build on the AVI3MI course. Students rely on the skills developed from earlier art courses to develop their own personal style to the creation of art. Students apply their visual problem solving skills to a range of both teacher centered and individually designed projects. Modern and contemporary art are the focus for the art history component in this course.  Prerequisite: AVI3MI.

Topics of Study: Self Portrait Unit, Stenciling and Street art, Illustration vs. Expression, Cardboard Sculpture, Essay, Summative: The Mini Suite

Assessment and Evaluation: Term work, Tests, Essay, Summative and In-Class Exam

AWS4MI (Grade 12 Yearbook-Visual Arts and Media, University/College)

This course focuses on the development, editing and production of the school yearbook.  Students will build upon their digital media and computer skills by using graphic design, photo editing and desktop publishing software.  Students will also further their writing, journalistic and project management skills.  Students who possess good work habits, leadership skills, and are self-motivated are encouraged to participate in this course.  Some extra-curricular time commitment is expected.  Prerequisite: ENG3UI or senior level Visual Art or Comm Tech course.

FAST FORWARD

ALC1OB (Grade 9 Comprehensive Arts, Fast Forward)

This course introduces you to two different art forms.  You spend half of the semester in Visual Art, doing activities such as painting, drawing and sculpting. Students will use the creative process to make art that is reflective of their own personal identity.  You spend the other half of the semester in Music learning to play the guitar.  This course prepares you to study either Music or Visual Art in the higher grades.

AMG2OB (Grade 10 Guitar, Fast Forward)

In this course students build upon the skills developed in ALC1OB, but at a more advanced level and with a greater emphasis on duet and ensemble work.  Students study chord charts, playing lead guitar, and start to work in three-person ensembles. Students continue to develop workplace skills and are introduced to careers in the arts, visiting a local recording studio to learn about media production and small-business management.  Preparation:  ALC1OB.

AMG3OB (Grade 11 Guitar, Fast Forward)

This is an introductory course in which students learn popular songs, chord accompaniment, single-note melodies, music reading, as well as rhythm and lead guitar skills.  Musical pieces are performed in solo, duet, and ensemble settings.  Students also begin to improvise lead guitar solos and study the structure of blues music, while also learning about the history of the blues and making real world connections to current popular music.  Scale and chord theory is also introduced, with students studying The Modes, completing a modal composition and notating it using current music computer software.  Prerequisite:  NONE.